For the safe operations of nuclear power plants in Ukraine, the government has pledged USD 1.2 million in aid through the International Atomic Energy Agency. Shown is Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin on June 8 speaking to Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Senik in a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
By Kim Hayeon
The government has pledged USD 1.2 million (KRW 1.5 billion) through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure that nuclear power plants in Ukraine maintain safe operations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul on June 8 said in a news release that four government bodies — the ministry, Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Nuclear Safety and Security Commission — made a joint announcement on the donation at an IAEA board meeting in Vienna, Austria, that runs from June 6-10.
The assistance will go toward ensuring the safety and security of nuclear plants in Ukraine, dispatching IAEA personnel to manage radioactive waste and implement safety measures, and purchase relevant equipment and supplies.
The government will also actively support IAEA efforts to safely run nuclear facilities in the war-torn country.
Seoul said it will join international efforts to use nuclear power in a peaceful manner.
Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin on June 8 held talks with Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Senik at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul, saying he hopes for peace to be quickly restored in Ukraine.
The minister also expressed regret over the rising number of casualties due to the war, a conflict that has exceeded 100 days, and expressed hope for the recovery of peace and stability in Ukraine as soon as possible so that people can go back to their daily lives.
In response, the Ukrainian official thanked Korea for standing by his people and asked for continuous assistance, adding that global support and solidarity including from Seoul has been a great help to his country.
hayeounk8@korea.kr
